So Why DID Seth MacFarlane Kill Off Brian On ‘Family Guy’?

Series creator Seth MacFarlane tells Entertainment Weeklythat he was not prepared for the backlash from fans when he and his writers killed off the beloved pooch, saying, “We were all very surprised, in a good way, that people still cared enough about that character to be that angry. We thought it would create a little bit of a stir, but the rage wasn’t something we counted on.”

As to whether "rage" contributed to the decision to bring Brian back, MacFarlane wouldn't elaborate. But he does tell Entertainment Weekly that the stunt served its purpose well, saying "... It reminded people this is still a show where anything that can happen despite the fact it’s been on for a while.”

And he reassured fans that Brian is back, and back for good, telling EW, “Would I do it again? No. We already did it.”